Forty-one of Australia’s highest potential fintech startups have been unveiled as Stone & Chalk opened its doors at 50 Bridge Street in Sydney’s CBD.

The Hon. Anthony Roberts, NSW Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy did the honours, officially opening the independent, not-for profit fintech hub, which has ambitions to become the heart of fintech in Asia.

The inaugural 41 companies, totaling 120 people, have been selected following an intense six month process to identify world-class Australian fintech startups. Also revealed was the 2300 square metre collaborative workspace that puts Australia squarely on the international map in the fast-emerging fintech sector.

Alex Scandurra, CEO of Stone & Chalk commented, “From the outset our aim has been to attract the highest quality fintech startups in Australia, co-locate them under one roof, and support fast tracking their growth to ultimately help them go global. We have been inspired by the talent and diversity of the startups that have applied and the potential they have to transform Australia’s multi-billion financial services sector, and today is just the start, as we continue to welcome more Stone & Chalkers over the coming months and fill around 200 seats by the end of the year.”

Stone & Chalk’s initial startup line-up spans a wide range of industries, from superannuation to predictive data analytics; as well as technologies, from consumer apps to crypto currencies.

Companies are all at varying stages of growth, with established players such as VentureCrowd, H2 Ventures and Zetaris having taken up space alongside yet-to-launch ventures and early stage startups.

The companies have taken up residence at Stone & Chalk’s innovation hub where, alongside the physical proximity to fellow fintech startups, they will have access to supporters from financial institutions, technology companies, leading universities, government and regulators.

Stone & Chalk will run events, mentorship and accelerator programs, as well as foster connections with the wider startup, technology and financial eco-systems in Australia and globally.

NSW Government has provided support to ensure the successful establishment of Stone & Chalk, with the aim of attracting international fintech talent to Sydney, developing local industry, and increasing financial services innovation and exports.